Then the monster tossed back his head and let out a piercing howl.
He stumbled forward. Swiped the shovel from my hand. And tossed it out the door. Tossed it as if it were a toothpick.
I gasped as it crashed to the kitchen floor.
I eyed the other shovel leaning against the wall. The monster followed my gaze.
He snatched it up and broke it in half with his bare hands. Then he pitched the pieces into the kitchen.
What can I do? I have to do something!
And then it came to me!
The letter.
The second letter from Grandma and Grandpa—the one we hadn’t opened yet!
“Clark! Quick! The second letter,” I cried. “Maybe it will tell us what to do! Read it!”
Clark stared at me. Frozen. His eyes on the raging monster.
“Clark!” I said, through clenched teeth. “Open … the … letter. NOW!”
He reached into his jeans pocket with a trembling hand. He fumbled with the flap.
“Hurry, Clark!” I pleaded.
He finally managed to tear a hole in the corner of the envelope.
And then I screamed.
The monster dove forward.
He grabbed my arm. He yanked it hard.
And pulled me toward him.
The monster pulled me close.
I stared up into his hideous face—and gasped.
His eyes were deep, dark pools—with tiny worms swimming in them!
I twisted my head away—so I wouldn’t have to stare into those horrible, wormy eyes.
The creature gripped me tighter.
His hot, sour breath swept over my cheeks.
He opened his jaws wide.
His mouth was filled with bugs! I saw them crawling up and down his tongue.
I screamed. And struggled against the monster’s hold. But he clutched me too tightly.
“Let me go!” I shrieked. “Please—!”
The monster bellowed in reply, hitting me with a blast of his hot breath.
He smells like a swamp, I realized as I fought against his grasp. He is a swamp. He’s like a living swamp.
With my free hand, I pounded on the creature’s arm. I nearly gagged when I felt the moss. His whole body was covered with a layer of wet moss!
“Let me go!” I pleaded. “Please—let me go!”
Clark leaped forward. He grabbed my arm and tried to tug me away. “Leave her alone!” he shrieked.
Charley charged out of his corner. His lip curled back and he let out a low snarl. Then he sank his teeth into the monster’s hairy leg.
Startled, the monster jerked away, dragging me along with him.
But Charley wouldn’t give up. I glanced down to see him dig his teeth deep into the monster’s foot.
With a growl, the beast raised his foot. And with one fierce shake, he hurled Charley across the room.
“Charley!” I cried out. “Charley!”
